Wisdom Says: Wait for Me

“Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.” (Proverbs 8:32-34)

For the first time in her passionate speech about how much we need her to find a life that matters, Lady Wisdom reveals herself in the role of mom. But unlike your mom — the one you grew up with and away from — this mom is one we grow more and more dependent on as the years go by. We can’t really live in a meaningful way without the Wisdom of God.

So now she urges. She pleads. She prods. She promises. Don’t walk away from her. You’ve listened this long; don’t decide you’re better off with your own street smarts. Don’t decide to reject God’s wisdom. From this point on, any path you walk without her is the path to self-destruction.

Notice that finding wisdom sometimes involves waiting for Wisdom. We’re often better at being enthusiastic that patient. I know people who would wrestle crocs and climb mountains to do the right thing, but they can’t bring themselves to sit still for an hour to wait for Wisdom.

Think: What’s harder for you — sacrificing for wisdom or waiting for it? Why is patience such an important part of living wisely?

Pray: Ask God to help you to be patient to avoid running ahead of wisdom.